Mastering is the final step in the music production process where final sonic touches are perfected on your mixes and a master is created for commercial distribution. Typically, the process involves the equalization, compression, limiting and stereo imaging to achieve the best sound from your mixes. Proper mastering can sometimes rely on specialized equipment, but the most important resource is the experience your mastering engineer brings to your recording to achieve a professional product.
Rodney Mills has served for over fifty years in the music business and has been involved in thousands of projects throughout his career. Let us contribute our experience to your project and help bring your recordings to life! Our competitive mastering rates make it easy to have world-class mastering for your project.
What are your mastering rates?
$20 per recorded minute
For example, a four-minute song would cost $80 to master (e.g., 4 x 20 = 80). We round up or down to the nearest 30 seconds.
$20 for each additional version
These optional song versions can include: instrumentals, acapellas, or performance/show tracks for example.
10% discount over $500
If your project goes over $500, we’ll give you a 10% discount!
Revisions are always included!
If you want to tweak your mix and have us re-master it, there’s no charge. Similarly, if you want us to revisit our mastering on a song or two, just let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate!
We try to stay very out front with our pricing. If you still have questions about how we charge, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to talk about your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t I just master my songs myself or have my mix engineer do it?
After you’ve worked hard in the studio perfecting a mix for hours, days or even weeks, you can easily lose your objectivity to the mixes. Having an experienced mastering engineer with a fresh set of ears can sometimes be the best resource for getting the most out of your mix. We can typically address deficiencies that otherwise may have seemed to have ‘blended in‘ with the good sounding parts of your mix.
With the growing popularity of home and project studios, many people find themselves in sub-par monitoring situations where they may not be able to hear certain problematic frequencies. We’re able to resolve those issues to ensure proper playback, regardless if it’s played on CD, headphones, radio, club systems or a huge venue.
What does the mastering process involve specifically?
• Balancing high, low and mid frequencies using accurate EQ
• Control overall dynamic range for proper playback on different types of audio systems
• Leveling individual song volumes to maintain consistency across your album or project
• Cleaning up intros and outros to remove unwanted noise or empty space
• Assembling a master with the proper song order, fades, and transitions between songs
You’ve told me I need to turn down my mixes. Why?
A part of the mastering process involves bringing the level of your mix up to match other songs in the genre, and other songs on your record.
If you use a limiter or a compressor on your master channel to bring the level up, you’ve already applied a type of mastering, which can make it more difficult for us to achieve a superior sound. More information about turning down your mixes is available on our upload page.
I want to tweak my mix. Do I have to pay to get it re-mastered?
Revisions happen….that’s just life! Mastering is a creative process just like recording and mixing, so there are times when we have to go back and revisit certain songs. We’re more than happy to make revisions, free of charge, regardless of whether it’s as simple as adding more space between tracks 2 and 3 on the album, or something more involved such as remastering a couple songs to add more mid-range EQ. It’s important to us that you’re happy with the project, so we’ll do our best to accommodate revisions as best as we can. Sometimes folks will get the mastered files back and say ‘Aw man, I wish I would’ve mixed the vocals lower a bit on that second verse” – just send us a new mix and we’ll be happy to do it!
What happens after I upload my mixes?
When we receive your files, we’ll check to make sure we have everything we need, and we’ll confirm via email that we’ve received everything for your project.
We master projects on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a deadline you’re trying to meet, please let us know as soon as possible, and we will try our best to accommodate. Our typical turnaround time is 3-5 business days.
As soon as we finish mastering your project, we’ll send you an email with a link to pay for your masters and download your project. You can pay using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal.